Deciding to run for Reynolds County Sheriff (neighborhoods, school)

[smithmi]

Here is the deal

I am trying to find out if a run for Reynolds County Sheriff is in order. I need your advice if you live in Reynolds County.

Please don't mis-understand, the SO guys are great. I just have to wonder?

I come from Utah, where the sheriff is constantly under a magnifying glass. From what I have observed in Reynolds County I believe the system is broken.
Money is one big issue and it is apparent by the Hodge Podge of sheriff’s vehicles, uniforms worn by deputies, and most important, how the public is treated by deputies.
When you ask about it, deputies become angry, extremely guarded, and quite rude.

I am not sure why deputies are always angry. They are great people but they seem to make citizens feel like outsiders, not up to their standards, and NOT PART OF THEIR GROUP. Seems like everyone I have asked about it says “that’s just the way they are.” UNACCEPTABLE.

I have asked several people what if the sheriff’s office had some change, Not only in attitude but money. What if deputies were to apply for grants, refine the finances, clean up the appearance, to become a friendly group of people to talk with. And most importantly follow through with investigations, work a little harder toward cleaning up our neighborhoods. What if deputies stopped and talked with you, asked your opinions, get your advice, get to know your kids, be involved in activities with you and your kids.

What if the sheriffs office had programs like Search and Rescue teams you could join, made shop with a cop programs fair, Hold CERT training so your whole family could learn how to help during a major disaster. What if your kids could participate in school/law enforcement training, learning how to be a cop/deputy.

What if we took the anger out of the sheriff’s office and made it fun. Obviously there are times deputies have to be harsh, direct, tough, or firm with people, but what if we could make it the exception to the rule?

All of that is where I come from. A world of friendly friends and neighbors.

I have posted a survey on the internet to see if this is what the residents want. If you could take the time to do the survey, and there is enough people that really want change, I would consider running for the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office. I honestly do not know what the citizens want in their sheriff. Is what’s going on now what we want? Do we want to make some changes for the better? Please let me know by completing the survey.

Thank You in advance.
Moderator cut: no soliciting

[notmeofficer]

Mike... what are your qualifications?
Are you Peace Officer? Are you currently a deputy on the department?
Are you a politician.. a lawyer.. a resident...

Are you a "good 'ol boy"

Do you have the support of your community already in other activities... are you known?

then you'll get a more qualified answer

[smithmi]

Yes I am a peace officer, certified in 1982 in Utah, I have been working then teaching public safety (Including Administration and financial management) for about the last 10 years. No I'm not well known in Reynolds County. I retired from public safety 2 years ago, did not think I would work in this field again. (I enjoy this retirement thing) In looking at this community (Property values etc) I think we need a more professional group, clean up the area etc: I keep reading about the great community then I see how broke this county is. I know grants, I know how to write and administer grants. Where I am from DHS has given millions to public safety. Why not here? Maybe a more aggressive approach? I'm not sure I want to be a street cop again, what I would do is find money, and free up some of the general budget for other things.
I will not get involved in dirty politics and if it goes that way, so-long.
The survey is simply a barometer to gauge the citizens wants and needs. If in the survey it shows they like what they have? Again, so-long.
I have some skills that I would use if elected.
I hope this answers some of your questions.
Thanks in advance
Mike

[smithmi]

Well so far 39 do not know, do not care, 2 want change immediately, 17 (private emails) want to know how hard I am on the drug trade. 12 want to know where to contribute? (I'm OK with money) and 5 want me to post a website telling about me.

[southernjewishgal]

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[MoNative34]

Just how large is the department? With the small population, I can't see it having a very big staff.

[smithmi]

I think 3 to 4-deputies. Very small dept. That is the ONLY reason I would think of doing this. I spent 50 years in Utah with a population of 1.2M I love this small community, I just think they need some help jump starting finances.

[smithmi]

[MOD removed, no soliciting permitted[/mod]
Here is how it is shaking out as of Feb 1:

1. 33% Believe the sheriff’s office system is broken?
2. 50% Believe that a new sheriff from this area can fix the problems?
3. 66% Believe the system needs new ideas?
4. 100% Believe a sheriff from outside the good old boy group, could create a better system?
5. 100% Would support (Vote) for a more proactive person/system?
6. 50% Believe a sheriff from this area knows or is involved in the new technologies that are now available?
7. 50% Would support, (Vote) for a complete overhaul of the existing system?
8. 50% Are related to anyone running for sheriff?
9. 66% Know the sheriff or any deputies?
10. 50% Are unhappy with the service the sheriff’s office is now providing?

[2beamissourian]

I am not from the area ..........and do not know where it is ...

I wish you luck and if you feel that calling stop 2nd guessing yourself and just DO IT.. if you think and you feel in your heart you can make changes than do so ........ an officer should be someone children and adults look up to ..sounds like the group now is scary! enough to make me not want to move to the area!

Get out there and get known!

[DocGSD]

Originally Posted by smithmi

10. 50% Are unhappy with the service the sheriff’s office is now providing?

LOL.... how can you be unhappy with the service??? I guess if I was breaking the law I would be unhappy..... but then, WHO CARES! Its not like they are serving citizens lunch..... they are the cops... not gunna make people happy! Thats what I would call Job Security!